Dasara In India 2025: Best Places, Best Things To Do

If there’s one festival in India that can make even your WhatsApp aunties pause their “Good Morning” forwards, it’s Dasara in India. Known as Vijayadashami in some states and Dussehra in others, this festival is celebrated with such grandeur that even Netflix would want to buy its streaming rights. In 2025, Dasara falls on October 2 (yes, the same day Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated – so double the holidays, double the fun).

Table of Contents

But here’s the thing: Dasara in India isn’t just one festival. It’s like an Indian buffet—different flavors in every state, all equally irresistible. Whether you’re a traveler looking for Insta-worthy moments, or just someone tired of office life and craving loud drums and fireworks, Dasara has something for you.

Why Dasara in India is Special

Before we jump into the travel guide, let’s clear this up. Dasara in India is all about the triumph of good over evil. Rama vs Ravana. Durga vs Mahishasura. And in some parts of India, it’s just about the excuse to eat 12 varieties of sweets without guilt (because hey, Maa Durga would approve).

This festival lasts 10 days in many regions, with the 10th day marking the big finale—Vijayadashami. So, if you’re planning a trip around Dasara 2025, don’t just land for the last day. Arrive early and soak in the madness.

Best Places to Celebrate Dasara in India 2025

1. Mysuru, Karnataka – The Royal Dasara Parade

Mysuru’s Dasara isn’t a festival; it’s a blockbuster film. Think elephants dressed better than you on your wedding day, palaces lit up like Diwali came early, and cultural shows that make you wonder why Netflix doesn’t air them.

Specialty:

The grand Jumbo Savari parade on Vijayadashami.
The Mysore Palace with 100,000 lights (yes, they actually count them).
Folk dances, music concerts, and wrestling matches because why not?
Traveler Tip: Book your hotel early. During Dasara, Mysuru gets more crowded than Mumbai local trains at rush hour.

2. Kolkata, West Bengal – Durga Puja Extravaganza

Technically, it’s called Durga Puja here, but let’s be honest—it’s Dasara in India with extra glam. Pandals (temporary temples) here are designed like movie sets. One year you’ll see Hogwarts, next year maybe the Eiffel Tower.

Specialty:

Pandal-hopping—basically the Indian version of bar-hopping, but with goddess idols instead of beer.
Food stalls selling everything from rolls to rasgullas.
On Vijayadashami, married women smear each other with sindoor (vermillion) in a ritual called Sindoor Khela—color war, but elegant.
Traveler Tip: Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll walk more in 5 days than you did in your entire last gym membership.

Also Read: 12 Jyotirlingas in India

3. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh – Ramleela on Steroids

If drama is your thing, Varanasi is your stage. Here, the Ramleela (the play of Lord Rama’s story) is performed across the city for several nights. On Vijayadashami, they burn gigantic effigies of Ravana, which is basically India’s version of fireworks.

Specialty:

Traditional Ramleela performances—actors so dedicated they sometimes forget to leave character.
The Ganga ghats lit with diyas, creating a surreal vibe.
Traveler Tip: Don’t stand too close to Ravana’s effigy during the burning. It’s not the kind of “hot selfie” you want.

4. Ahmedabad, Gujarat – Garba Nights

In Gujarat, Dasara overlaps with Navratri, which means nine nights of dancing till your legs scream for mercy. Garba is basically cardio in a circle, but fun.

Specialty:

Colorful Garba and Dandiya Raas dances.
Traditional outfits so stunning, even Instagram filters bow down.
Traveler Tip: If you don’t know Garba steps, don’t worry. Just clap and smile—you’ll still blend in.

5. Delhi – Ramlila Maidan Madness

Delhi’s Dasara is less about subtlety and more about size. Think massive Ramleela grounds, Ravana effigies taller than buildings, and political leaders fighting for chief guest seats.

Specialty:

The grand effigy burning of Ravana, Meghnath, and Kumbhkaran.
Street food (chaat, golgappa, jalebi—you name it).
Traveler Tip: Keep your wallets safe. Ravana’s not the only one with ten hands in Delhi crowds.

Best Things to Do During Dasara in India

Eat like a local: Every region has its specialty—from Karnataka’s Mysore Pak to Bengal’s Sandesh. Calories don’t count during Dasara (scientifically unproven, but spiritually true).
Dress up: Traditional clothes aren’t just encouraged; they’re practically mandatory if you want good pictures.
Watch cultural shows: From folk dances in Mysuru to Ramleela in Varanasi, it’s like live Netflix—only free.
Join the crowd: Whether it’s dancing Garba in Gujarat or pushing through pandals in Kolkata, the fun is in being part of the chaos.

Why You Should Celebrate Dasara in India at Least Once

Because honestly, where else will you find a festival that combines giant elephants, glamorous goddesses, fire-breathing Ravanas, and people dancing in circles for nine nights straight? Dasara in India is loud, colorful, dramatic, and spiritual—all rolled into one. It’s the kind of trip that’ll leave your camera full, your stomach fuller, and your heart fullest.

Final Word

So, if you’ve been waiting for the perfect excuse to explore India in 2025, Dasara in India is your golden ticket. Pack your bags, your appetite, and maybe some earplugs (because those drums don’t stop). Whether you end up in Mysuru’s royal parade, Kolkata’s artistic pandals, or Gujarat’s Garba nights, one thing’s for sure—you’ll come back with stories your friends will secretly envy.

Because let’s face it, you didn’t just “see” Dasara in India. You survived it. And that’s worth bragging about.

FAQs on Dasara in India 2025

1.When is Dasara in India in 2025?
Dasara in India 2025 (Vijayadashami) will be celebrated on Thursday, October 2, 2025.

2.What is the significance of Dasara in India?
Dasara marks the victory of good over evil. In northern India, it celebrates Lord Rama defeating Ravana. In southern India, it symbolizes Goddess Durga’s triumph over Mahishasura.

3.Which is the best place to celebrate Dasara in India?
Some of the best places are Mysuru in Karnataka, Kolkata in West Bengal, Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, Ahmedabad in Gujarat, and Delhi. Each offers a unique flavor of the festival.

4.How is Dasara celebrated differently across India?

South India (Mysuru): Royal parades and palace lights.
East India (Kolkata): Durga Puja pandals and cultural shows.
North India (Varanasi/Delhi): Ramleela and Ravana effigy burning.
West India (Gujarat): Garba and Navratri dances.

5.What are the best things to do during Dasara in India?
Join Garba nights, watch Ramleela, go pandal-hopping, eat traditional sweets, and witness grand parades and effigy burnings.

6.Is Dasara in India a good time to travel?
Yes! It’s one of the most vibrant times to explore India. But book travel and accommodation early—festivals attract massive crowds.

Post Views: 0